Slackware HowTo

Manage global umask and shell profiles on Slackware

Control default file and directory permissions for users, services, and login scripts.

1. Goal

Control default file and directory permissions for users, services, and login scripts.

2. Files and components involved

/etc/profile
/etc/login.defs
~/.bashrc
~/.profile

3. Operational flow

grep -n umask /etc/profile /etc/login.defs
set umask 027 in the required profiles
reopen shell

4. Operational verification

umask
touch /tmp/test-umask
mkdir /tmp/test-dir-umask
ls -ld /tmp/test-*

5. Practical notes

Apply these changes during a maintenance window and keep a backup of the original files for a quick rollback.

Tightening a policy without an alternative access path is the fastest way to lock out legitimate users as well.

Quick checklist

[ ] Backup or copy of the existing configuration completed
[ ] Files and commands updated as expected
[ ] Local test completed successfully
[ ] Logs or final output verified
[ ] Rollback procedure documented

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